Grillable Black Bean Burger
BBQ season just got a whole lot better with these easy and delicious home made veggie burgers! These firm patties are full of healthy whole food ingredients like black beans and whole grain faro porridge but they've got a little secret inside. Kombu not only makes the beans more digestible, it adds umami and natural glutamates that enhance the flavor. The best part is that they're moist on the inside but stand up to the grill without falling apart.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to a great black bean burger lies in the balance of flavor and texture, and this recipe nails both. The meaty flavor comes from a blend of kombu and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Kombu, a type of edible kelp, is rich in natural glutamates, often referred to as "Mother Nature’s MSG." It infuses the burger with a deep umami flavor that makes each bite satisfying and savoury. Vegan Worcestershire sauce, with its complex mix of spices adds another layer of depth.
To achieve the perfect texture, we add Steel Cut Seashore Black Rye, a landrace grain with a toothy texture, and borrow a technique from the renowned food scientist Kenji Lopez-Alt. Half of the black beans are roasted, which gives them a firmer texture, while the other half remains soft and creamy. This combination ensures the burgers hold together on the grill and have a hearty, toothsome bite that mimics the texture of traditional beef patties.
Kombu: Mother Nature’s MSG
Kombu, a staple in Japanese cuisine, is a powerhouse ingredient for enhancing umami. This edible seaweed is packed with glutamic acid, the compound responsible for the savoury taste we often associate with MSG. Unlike processed MSG, kombu is completely natural, making it a healthier way to amplify the flavours in your cooking. By including kombu in the black bean burger mix, you not only boost the umami but also add a subtle, oceanic note that complements the earthy beans. It’s this little addition that transforms a standard veggie burger into something extraordinary.
Freezing Black Bean Burgers: Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the best things about this black bean burger recipe is how well it freezes. You can make a large batch, shape the patties, and freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, lay the uncooked patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer. Once solid, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw the patties in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, and grill as usual. Freezing these burgers not only makes meal prep easier but also allows the flavours to develop even more, resulting in an even tastier burger when you’re ready to enjoy them.
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